Open Farm Day in Altes Land

Altes Land — An Apple Paradise on Hamburg's Doorstep

With around 10,700 hectares of fruit cultivation, Altes Land is Northern Europe's largest contiguous fruit-growing region. It stretches from the Hamburg city limits near Cranz and Neuenfelde to Stade in Lower Saxony and shapes its own cultural landscape with its half-timbered farmhouses, straight marsh roads, and apple tree avenues. On the Hamburg side, parts of the Harburg district — Neuenfelde, Cranz, and Francop — belong to Altes Land.

Open Farm Day — A Traditional Harvest Festival

In the middle of the harvest season, on a September weekend, the Altländer farms open their gates for the Open Farm Day. You can visit the farms, have the work processes explained to you, stroll through the orchards, and buy directly from the producer. Many farms offer farm cafés, barbecue stands, and activities for children.

What You'll Find on the Farms

• Obstparadies Schuback — many apple varieties for tasting
• Obsthof Schröder — over 20 apple varieties and tractor tours
• Herzapfelhof Lühs — organic certified (Demeter)
• Obsthof Matthies — pick-your-own and farm shop
• Apfelgarten Familie Meyer — on the Hamburg side

Obstparadies-Express and Tractor Tours

A special feature is the free Obstparadies-Express rides, which shuttle between the participating farms, as well as the tractor tours through the orchards. For families with children, these rides are often the highlight of the day.

Part of the Altländer Apfelwochen

The Open Farm Day is embedded in the Altländer Apfelwochen (Altes Land Apple Weeks), which run from August to October. During this time, you can pick apples yourself on many farms, participate in tastings, and buy apple sparkling wine, fruit brandies, and apple chutney directly from the producer.

Hamburg, Lower Saxony — Yet One Region

Even though the border between Hamburg and Lower Saxony runs through Altes Land, the region is a cultural unit. The Hamburg farms — fruit farms in Cranz, Neuenfelde, and Francop — are organizationally part of the Altes Land Tourism Association and participate in the Open Farm Day. For those living in Hamburg, this harvest festival is practically on their doorstep.